ETNET NEWS AGENCY, October 7 - The wave of high school student protests in France has expanded, with approximately 256,000 people across the country taking part in demonstrations on Tuesday (6th), joined by staff, parents, and unions, demanding the government increase educational resources. Among them, 56,000 people protested in Paris.
Large-scale protests also occurred in cities such as Lyon, Marseille, and Rennes. Authorities reported nearly 900 high schools were blockaded. Clashes broke out between protesters and police, with police in Paris and Marseille using tear gas to disperse crowds. In Rennes, police deployed water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Nearly 500 people have been arrested, with the total number of arrests exceeding 6,500 since September 28.
French Prime Minister Le Cornu stated in the National Assembly that since the protest wave began, at least 215 students and 85 educators have been injured, including 34 principals and vice-principals, along with 715 injured police officers.
He accused radical left-wing groups of attempting to "sow seeds of political chaos" before the presidential election in April next year through this protest wave. Interior Minister Nunez said the intensity of the protests is unprecedented, with protesters engaging in "widespread violent acts." However, some protesting students countered, saying "Most of us are demonstrating peacefully." (rc)
Large-scale protests also occurred in cities such as Lyon, Marseille, and Rennes. Authorities reported nearly 900 high schools were blockaded. Clashes broke out between protesters and police, with police in Paris and Marseille using tear gas to disperse crowds. In Rennes, police deployed water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Nearly 500 people have been arrested, with the total number of arrests exceeding 6,500 since September 28.
French Prime Minister Le Cornu stated in the National Assembly that since the protest wave began, at least 215 students and 85 educators have been injured, including 34 principals and vice-principals, along with 715 injured police officers.
He accused radical left-wing groups of attempting to "sow seeds of political chaos" before the presidential election in April next year through this protest wave. Interior Minister Nunez said the intensity of the protests is unprecedented, with protesters engaging in "widespread violent acts." However, some protesting students countered, saying "Most of us are demonstrating peacefully." (rc)
